I'm stuffed.

ohhhhh I'm so fulllll.

I upped my calorie intake again to try and knock me off of my yo-yo three pound up and down gain and lose plateau. I'm up to 1800 calories. I started yesterday and lost 1.4 pounds in one day.

Today? I'm stuffed. And I still have 100 plus calories left (not going to happen). I'm currently sipping on a protein shake. I'm hoping this doesn't backfire and I gain 12 pounds tomorrow.

Besides that nothing too exciting happened. We got our paychecks early today (should be next Tuesday for payday). I'm pretty sure the girl that writes the check has a fun weekend planned and pressured the check signer to come in early. It's nice to have it early but that will make a long stretch until the next payday if it gets spent early!

After work and school I went and got my hair cut. No pictures since I don't think it looks that great. I'm hoping it looks better after my shower in the morning (I go to a cheap place that doesn't actually style it or anything). If not I might have to go get someone to fix it a bit. I don't think the girl did a very good job with the layers. It's always something I swear! Oh well it grows fast.

Scott went on my bike ride with me tonight. We got done about two minutes faster than I normally do but let me tell you it felt like I was going  a lot faster trying to keep up with him. The sad part is that he burned over 200 calories more than I did because he's bigger. That seems so not fair doesn't it?

I get to get off early tomorrow because of the "holiday". So I can basically leave at lunch time. Woot! Sounds like a great 3 1/2 day weekend to me.

No plans yet but I'm sure we'll end up at one of my brother's houses at some point for a BBQ and swimming. I wish I had a pool so we could just trade off the holidays but it's not too much fun here with no place to cool off.

I remember the dread of labor day when I was a kid. It wasn't so much about having to go back to school. It was because that was the weekend our community pool closed until the next summer. We used to LIVE at the pool.

Well have a great 3 day weekend and ....

Source: cheezburger.com via Mom Taxi on Pinterest

Run Run As Fast As You Can!

Today on my lunch a co-worker and I went to a running store. I had them analyze my feet to see what kind of running shoes I was going to need. I thought this whole thing was going to be a lot more complex than just stepping on this little pad. It instantly brought up color images of my feet. AWESOME. Wish I could have had a print out. I don't know why that kind of stuff makes me so excited. I must have a little inner geek in me.

Anyhow, I have a high arch and have and am an under-pronator (which means you roll your foot inward when you step). The sales guy showed me all the shoes on the wall (least expensive $80) and I kind of just stood there and looked at them for awhile before I asked to try some on. Then he just brought out some random shoes that were in my "area" of what I would need.

I really liked these ones. Although they are kind of ugly but my co-worker said you aren't supposed to pick them according to how they look. Ha! I have no idea how much they were in the store but it's my goal to find them cheaper. Or something like them. Unless I decide I want them NOW and just go buy them after I get my paycheck. That might happen too.

After work I finally got Jessica's package mailed off and picked up some more protein powder. And some chia seeds to try in my protein shake. We'll see how those go tomorrow.

Then it was off to the trainer where we worked on my shoulders and abs. It's kind of nice when you are working in front of a mirror and you can actually see muscles in your arms. Sadly there is also some skin just hanging out there on the bottom of my arms but not much I can do about that without a plastic surgeon. After my work out with the trainer I decided to try my couch to 5k on the treadmill. 

Things to remember for next time:

bring a towel (mostly to cover the time on the machine)

pick the treadmills that actually have fans

and in front of the tv's (or a hot guy working out would do too)

don't forget to stretch when I'm done

Here's my fantastic picture after my work out. I had already splashed some water on my face to cool down before I remembered the "sweaty pic" although I don't sweat much so it's more of a "tomato red glistening" pic.

I'm almost half way through the program!! I didn't walk at all and it was a lot easier on the treadmill (although my shins hurt and that doesn't usually happen). 

Next up is week FIVE. During week five it starts to change each time you do it. So left to right that is day 1, day 2, day 3. 

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes) Walk 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog two miles (or 20 minutes) with no walking.

I feel like Bob The Builder. "CAN WE DO IT?" YES WE CAN!" or die trying right? (actually I just looked it up and it's "Can we FIX it, but whatevs!)

Weeeee

I feel like I spent my whole day after work today trying to get Trevor to do his homework. I swear that child has no attention span. Somehow he ended up watching some TV after school and it was all down hill from there. Tomorrow, no TV until the homework is done.

So what about the rest of the day?

I signed up for another 5k in November. It's in the Monterey area so it will be close to Jess, although I think she may be on vacation somewhere close to that date so we'll see if she's even at school at that point. A friend at work signed up for the 1/2 marathon. She is a runner already and is excited to do some training to get back into it. I'm hoping I will  actually be able to run a whole 5K by then. If I keep working hard maybe I will be able to. (look at the view!) Although that chick has to be freezing it's always cold there.

I went to lunch today at the Farmer's Den and had a clubhouse sandwich. I took out the 3rd piece of bread and it was fabulous. I think I could actually eat the whole thing with no bread, wonder if everyone would think I was crazy if I did that? When we were leaving the waitress that is always there came over and asked me how much weight I had lost and what I was doing and told me I looked great! That was super nice. I felt a bit guilty for eating that sandwich though!

After work I went to go to the post office to mail Jessica a package and the post office was PACKED. There was quite literally at least 50 people waiting in line. So that package will be going out tomorrow instead.

Picked up Trevor from school (they do band after school, by the way did I tell you all he's playing the trombone?)

When we got home I was waking around the yard and noticed that I had ripe tomatoes. How in the world did that happen? I've totally neglected my gardens (all of them) all summer. I'm amazed that I have tomatoes.

Another amazing thing happened today. I got the laundry ALMOST caught up! The last load (well until everyone gets undressed tonight) is in the washer. It's like a miracle! Now someone will throw up on their bed or pee all over everything. I just know it.

We had the Panko Pork Chops for dinner. I have actually made these before and they are really good. What's weird is the recipe is for 2 people. I know there must be some people out there that only cook for 2 people but I don't know what that's like. I had to times that baby by 3.

Finally it was time to go out to ride my bike. I saw this picture on Facebook today and I LOVE it!

Just another exciting day in the life of Julie....

Where's My Margarita

Well today was an exciting day! It's almond harvesting season!! All those strange looking machines all over the roads. I'm terrified one is going to pull out of the orchard and I'm going to squash one like a bug.

via

Today was also a potluck day at work. Loser Julie thought it was NEXT WEEK. But there was plenty of food so I didn't worry about it. I've bought cakes and ice cream for the office on my own dime several times so this will even it out a bit :wink:

So here is my plate. It was all so good. I may have went back for more of the pork jambalaya and beans.

and then I had some cake, but I'll spare you the pictures of that. Mostly because I forgot to take any.

I came home and attacked the laundry, the dishes and the living room. Watered the yard, dragged the extra bunk bed to the back of the house AND made dinner.

We had Chicken Nacho Bake for dinner. I forgot to take a picture, but I've made it before.

I finally talked myself into going for the couch to 5k run again tonight. The last time I went was early last week. I hardly exercised at all last week, what with the razor blades in my throat and all.

So as a recap, week 4, is rather brutal.

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:

• Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
• Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)
• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
• Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes)
• Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
• Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)
• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)

For day one I ended up walking for a few seconds of most of the runs. I made sure to start off nice and slow today and keep my pace slow. I wasn't going fast, but I ran ALL the running times. WOOT! I'm so proud of myself! I never thought I'd be able to run for 5 minutes at a time (well not since junior high when we had super strict PE teachers).

I was super hot when I got home. I told Scott I needed applause but he just kind of looked at me like I was crazy. Seriously it feels like someone should be standing with margaritas at the finish line. Hmmm now there's a marketing thought...

Sunday Sushi

Sunday was a busy day! I spent the day working on laundry and doing dishes. Well half of it anyways. Then I went to book club. It was to review the book Every Last Cuckoo, although I think we started to talk about it and quickly got distracted to something else. It's funny how easily that happens.

After that I went out with my friends Dee and Carolyn for sushi again. We went back to the same place, Matsu Sushi. We were the only people in there for almost the whole time we were there. We were thinking "man I hope this place is going to make it". Then we realized it WAS early on a Sunday and it was probably the in-between movie time. The only movie theater in town is right next door.  Sure enough before we left it filled up all at once like. The movie must have got out.

So this time, we decided that we were going to try at least one raw sushi. After a lot of discussion and a visit from two different waitresses and I THINK the owner or the chef we ended up with these.

from the left, the "special" that the chef/owner recommended (spicy!), the Titanic (the one with raw fish), California Roll (Carolyn's safe food) and bottom right is my favorite, the Italian Roll.

They were all fantastic. The bright orange on the Titanic is some kind of fish eggs. I was scared to try them but they don't taste like anything. Seriously, it's like a garnish, just there to look pretty. I'm proud of myself for trying it and not being all grossed out! We really ordered too much and I ended up over eating but it was GOOD. I think we need to stick to 3 rolls for the 3 of us next time though so I don't oink out.

After dinner we went to Starbucks and hung out some more. We are trying to plan a trip to Vegas with just us girls. My one friend has a time share that she wants to use, which will be nice but it's a bit more complex to book than just picking a hotel. Hopefully it works out and we get to go. We are planning on Jan/Feb for the trip.

I had to run in the store and get some things for lunches and more laundry soap before I could go home. Ahh relaxation OVER.

Pea Soup Andersen's

On the way home from Monterey we decided it was about time to stop at Pea Soup Andersen's. We have driven by this place TONS of times. I think I ate there one time when I was 18 with a friend but it is a very faint memory. 

If you are driving down the highway you can't miss the huge windmill. Not to mention they have billboards for this place MILES away. 

If you are looking for something fun this is your place. Everything is decorated really cute and old fashioned.

'

Scott and I decided that we'd share our dinner so I ordered the soup and salad (so we could try this famous soup!) and he ordered the french dip.

(Please excuse the cell phone pics.)

The croutons on this salad were to die for. I think they are made from the onion rolls that they serve.

 I've never had pea soup before. I was kind of scared to try it. I mean, I like peas but pea soup?? I'm trying to be brave in my older years so I tried it. I liked it! It had a tiny bit of a spicy flavor to it. I think it would have been good with little pieces of ham too. Scott said his mom always added bacon to her soup when she made it. That would probably work too. (really what's NOT good with bacon in it??)

This was a huge bowl. We would have been fine sharing a cup. But we still managed to finish it.

I was pleasantly surprised that the french dip came with real beef on it. There is nothing more disappointing than ordering a french dip and it coming out with lunch meat slices on it. That is NOT a french dip. That is a cold cut sandwich. 

The onion rings were a nice surprise. 

We were both totally stuffed after we ate. It was all good! I forgot to take a picture of the rolls but they were the bomb too!

We'll definitely go back on our little treks back and forth to Monterey!

Lunch Date and Off to College!

Thursday I wasn't feeling all that hot but still went to work for a bit and then I got off early to go to lunch with my friend Sarah! I haven't seen her in almost two years. Every time they come to California they have too many people and places to go but FINALLY we got to go to lunch. We went over to La Morenita, our old lunch favorite from back in the day when we worked together. We MAY have had more than one margarita. Ummm hummm them things are good!

After I got home I felt like shit so I just laid on the couch and said "sure' and "whatever" to the kids while I dozed. Eventually Scott got home and we decided to go out to dinner (Chili's) for Jessica's last night home. On the way we went for Scott and Trevor to get hair cuts and the three of us girls had a great time chatting and giggling. I'm going to miss that the most! We got home pretty late and I was exhausted so I think I yelled a few things at everyone and went to bed.

Sometime that night Scott wrote this on Facebook. I want to put it here so I will always have it.

Well, in a mere 8 hours we'll be packing up and heading for Monterey. It's hard to believe that my little girl is all grown up and leaving for college. It seems like only yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. The house is going to feel a little empty without her, and I am going to miss her alot. But a bird has to spread her wings. And, even though I don't say it enough, I am very proud that she is my daughter, and of the woman that she has become. GO OTTERS!!!!!!

I'm glad I didn't read that until the next day or I would have been bawling all night!

We got up early to get the kids ready for school and to get Jessica's stuff all packed up! They did all the work and I just wandered around making sure she didn't forget anything.

and we're off!

The college experience started with lots of lines. Line for this, oh you are in the wrong place, go wait over there in that line, etc. THIS line however? CRAZY! It's the final line, to get your dorm key. I stood in this like (while she took care of the stuff in the next one over) and by the time she was done I was half way to that table. Poor Scott was stuck babysitting her stuff on the other side of the dorm.

Luck for us the volleyball team was volunteering. They helped us take all her stuff up three flights of stairs. There was so many of them I only had to make two trips.

Look at what her roommates did, very cute! (they were there a few days ahead of her for a different program they are in)

Well we got it all up there.

She got it all arranged nicely.

After we helped her get everything unpacked we went to Target and got a few more things she needed and a whole bunch of food. Can't have my kid starving! 

We brought it back and got it all put away and then we all went out to pizza. When we got done we took her back to the dorm and said goodbyes. Scott and I were staying in a hotel close by for the night so I told her we could take her to breakfast or lunch if she wanted but it was up to her.

We went to our hotel, which was a Howard Johnson in Salinas. We sat and watched tv for awhile and then went to the movies. We saw The Campaign. It was pretty funny and raunchy as all Will Ferrell movies are.  The movie theater had free refills on the sodas. Since we were pretty full from dinner we just got a large one and shared it. Scott got up and refilled it once during the movie and since we were going back to the hotel I refilled it again when we left. 

We got back and watched some more tv and I was dozing and then Scott woke me up complaining that his heart was just racing. He thought he had just had too much caffeine. I'm not going to lie it was a bit scary. He took an aspirin, took a shower, tried a few different ways of laying/sitting and I was starting to feel a bit desperate on what we were going to do. I had him roll over and gave him a massage and that finally did the trick to calm it down. Weird isn't it? He has sworn off all soda with caffeine now and I can't say I blame him. That was some scary stuff!

The next morning Jess sent me a text saying she wanted to go to breakfast so we checked out of the hotel and went and picked her up. We made our way to Denny's and then afterwards we were trying to decide what we were going to do. I don't think Scott quite wanted to let her go yet. So we decided to go down to Cannery Row and walk around. We walked up and down the strip and she even got a couple of job applications. I have to say it seems like there are a lot of places to look for work in this area! Hopefully she's able to get one.

Our favorite street in the area.

 After a few hours we took her back to school and dropped her off. Amazingly none of us cried! I think it helps that we are always texting each other and I'm now a stalker mom on Facebook looking to see if she posted anything new :)

LIfe Keeps Moving!

Today wasn't too terribly exciting. I dragged ass for most of the day. I think I slept for like 4 hours MAYBE all together.

After work I took Jess to the doctor to get her checked out. Look at her seat belt bruising.  Her neck is really sore. The doctor prescribed her some anti inflammatory medication. Poor kid.

After that we went to get her eye brows waxed (exciting!). While she was getting that done I may have almost fell asleep in the chair while I waited. I've never heard such a quite salon.

Then I did something naughty. We walked down to Baskin Robbins and I got the peanut butter and chocolate ice cream I had been craving lately. I got the kids scoop so it wasn't too bad. 200 calories. Totally delicious too!

When we got home I went to work making dinner, Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas with Creamy Salsa Verde. I had not cooked the chicken ahead of time so I thew it in the pan with the onions and garlic mixture and it turned out just fine. I also only put one small can in the sauce part. I thought it might be too hot with all those peppers in there.

I don't think the kids liked it much (Trevor actually spit it out on his plate, bad boy!) but I thought it was really good and I'm glad there was some left over for my lunch tomorrow.

Well two more days of Jessica at home. Tomorrow we are going to go buy her a new bike to have on campus. Hopefully eventually she can get a new (to her) car large tank like vehicle also. The insurance company has pretty much said the Saturn will be considered a complete loss. Just wrapping up the rest of the stuff she will need.

Oh and Scott came home a little early today. He is sick, I'm thinking strep. He has a doctor appointment tomorrow.

Taco Pizza

I wasn't feeling good so I went to bed at 7:30pm. Fast forward two hours later and I woke up and have just dozed off and on. I give up for now! I'm pretty sure I'm sick. My throat hurts, although I can't see any blisters in the back so I'm hoping I don't have what Trevor had. My whole body is aching. Lovely!

Before all that I made Taco Pizza for dinner. It turned out really good although my kids were mad at me that I put refried beans on it.

I figured it up in myfitnesspal and here were the calories.

The original recipe said 12 servings but I wasn't paying attention when I cut it so we had 8 large pieces. 

Oh God Not Again!

Sometimes I think if it wasn't for bad luck we would have no luck at all. Today, Jessica was driving down the road to go somewhere when a car decided to turn into a parking lot. Now, usually you wait for the traffic to go by before you turn but apparently for some people they just drive right into the cars that are coming down the road.

Thank God she wasn't hurt too bad (she has bruising and is sore) but I think we should just retire my old car. Seriously, I don't think there is much left of the original car and the air bags actually went off this time.

 Here is the other girl's car

and when she hit Jess she pushed her into a parked car, but luckily it only scratched the paint.

Seriously? I think we've hit our quota of car accidents this summer. I'm to the point that just as long as everyone is ok, I'm thinking fuck it all it's just a car. Thank God this chick has insurance. I think we'll look for something extra large for her next vehicle. You know, something with a lot of protection around her. :sigh:

Prepared For The Week!

Well I never got the laundry put away this weekend, but I'm pretty sure I washed dishes for at least 4 hours. I swear every time I turn around there is more dirty dishes in the sink.

This weekend was pretty productive in other ways though even though I actually had to look at what day it was today because it couldn't possibly be Sunday already!?!

Today I started the week 4 of couch to 5k. OH MAN, five minutes is a long time to run, and you have to do it twice! I did walk a bit of each long stretch. I tried to only walk for ten-fifteen paces before running again. That's about how long it would take me to feel back in control of myself. I also took a bottle of water with me which helped quite a bit.

This is week 4.

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:

• Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
• Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)
• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
• Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes)
• Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
• Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)
• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)

I keep telling myself that I couldn't do week 3 all the way through until the last time so I should be able to get this by the 3rd day of doing it right? Makes perfect sense to me.

Today I finally got a meal plan made up and a shopping list to go with it. I actually got myself to the store too! It's like a minor miracle. This is the first time I've got back to this since Scott's accident. Life is slowly returning to normal, I do believe! Here is our menu for the week.


Monday Chicken Nacho Bake
Tuesday Skinny Salisbury Steak W/Mushrooms
Wednesday Chicken &White Bean Enchiladas
Thursday Turkey & Spinach Manicotti
Friday frozen pizza for kids
Saturday Taco Pizza
Sunday Panko Pork Chops

Things might not necessarily happen in that order but at least I have all the ingredients for each meal so no excuses to eat out. Although we will be eating out Friday when we move Jessica to school! FIVE more days. I finally got her to start packing her stuff up. She kept saying she didn't have much but she's changed her mind now. Funny how that works.

After I got home from shopping I was hungry so I made myself something to eat. No one was home so I did the dishes (again) and kept finding myself getting into food and getting that binging feeling. I told myself I just needed to get away from the food!! So I went out and rode my bike for an hour and fifteen minutes. Twice my normal route. I'm sure all my neighbors think I'm insane riding by their house four times on my bike.  Whatever. I got that binging out of my system and not IN my system.

I just updated mapmyride. I like the calendar on there.

I've done some kind of exercise every day this month. Saturday I worked in the yard for about an hour so that shows up funny, but believe me that was still a workout!

One of my online buddies was telling me how much different Scott and I look from last year when we went to a wedding. I finally did a side by side for comparison. Together we have lost almost 90 pounds! I remember feeling slightly mortified about how LARGE my stomach is in the first picture. I can't believe I wasn't diabetic. It's no wonder someone told me they were worried I had a tumor or something (although you should NEVER say that to someone!)

I weighed about 200 pounds on the left and now I'm about 158 give or take a pound. I've been stuck for awhile, hopefully I can lose the last 10 pounds I want to lose to reach my goal of not being "overweight" on the BMI chart.  I think Scott looks AWESOME! He actually had someone at work ask him if he was sick (as in like cancer or something) because he has lost so much weight. Nope, just healthy!

Well guess I should go to bed, tomorrow is school and Trevor is finally better so he can go back. One more lunch to make in the morning!

College Shopping, I Can Run THREE MINUTES and my kid is weird!

So today was fun. Worked, then came home and took Jessica shopping for some of the stuff she needs for school. (she moves a week from tomorrow EEK!)

My Mom got her her bedding and towels and some other stuff. Scott's Mom is getting her shampoo, soap etc. So we got the stuff in between that she needed.

I had fun shopping with her, although she about killed my arm slugging me every time we saw a Volkswagen.

I'm a bit sore from my exercise yesterday so bending over and getting slugged in the arm isn't feeling all that awesome.

When we got home I put on my running clothes and went out and did the day 3 of week 3 couch to 5k. I made myself run all of the runs without stopping.

GO ME!

I did stop for a second after the last one and get a drink out of a faucet. I think I need to carry a water bottle with me, but it seems like it would be hard to run with a water bottle in my hand. Any ideas? Lovely picture up my nose if I do say so myself. It was about 900 degrees in the bathroom so I was trying to hurry up.

Oh and I twisted my ankle and ALMOST fell. Not while I was running but while I was walking! Kind of stepped in a small pot hole or something. Thought I was going to fall for a minute. Kind of glad it was dark so no one saw but then if it wasn't dark I probably wouldn't have twisted my ankle.

Trevor stayed home again today since he's still sick. Jessica sent me these pictures of his "concoctions". Dang kid. He keeps killing all my Popsicles. I don't know what the hell he thinks he's making. It would be ok if he actually ate it. Anyone else's kids do that? I told him he has to go to school tomorrow but he might ends up staying home again. He's still spitting a lot (he says it hurts too much to swallow). Some how I don't think that would go over very well at school.

My friend Sara sent me this awesome video today. All I could think of after I saw it was how good that cheeseburger and fries looked. I think that's probably not a good thing hehe.

Trainer Day!

Well Trevor is even more miserable today than yesterday. Although he doesn't seem to have a fever. Probably since I keep giving him pain relievers. Poor kid keeps spitting because his mouth hurts so bad. He'll most likely be home tomorrow too. Nothing like having to make up work from the first week of school.

Today was trainer day! I went to the gym and only took my car key and my gym pass on the lanyard. I'm  still learning where to put things and how they work. I know I can trade a key for a key to the locker but it just seems easier to not take anything in with me. But then I have my keys. I saw today there is somewhere where you can hang your keys too so maybe I'll do that next time. I wish they did a step by step on how everything works when you sign up so you don't have to feel stupid.

Anyhow, I met up with the trainer in the bathroom of all places. We did about five minutes on the treadmill to warm up a bit and then went to the "corner of pain". It really wasn't too bad though. I think I've watched just a few too many episodes of The Biggest Loser. She's actually really nice and doesn't yell at me when I fall or can't hold the weights up anymore. We spent about forty minutes doing three reps of a little workout she made up. I was definitely feeling it when we were on the last round. But I did it! She told met that I was strong and doing really well, which was awesome to hear. I go back on Friday and we are going to work on the free weights.

When I got home I made dinner and then went on my bike ride. It wasn't dark yet so I rode a bit longer. I almost went down all the roads on our side of the neighborhood. I'm going to have to plan out another route to make it longer without going down all the little streets. I had one little yappy dog run after me a tiny bit too. I'm glad it didn't catch up and take a bite or anything.

9 more days until Jess goes to school! Tomorrow we are going to get her a new pair of glasses. She still has a good prescription but we never bought any new glasses and her old ones are worn out. We need to get her some contacts too. Along with a few other things she needs.

Home Front Kristin Hannah

I finished listening to the "Home Front" audio book tonight. I love most of Kristin Hannah's books. This story is about a woman in the National Guard who gets sent on a deployment. Things are rocky in her marriage before she leaves and in classic Mom style she does everything for everyone. When she leaves her husband is forced to take over and with that comes a new found respect for his wife.

I don't want to give too much away, but this is a good book. I only gave it two stars on Goodreads because I thought it was just "ok". It was sad. It was long. It was thought provoking. It was written well. But it isn't necessarily something I would tell all my friends that they needed to read  (unlike Winter Garden, which I got EVERYONE I know to read)

He's got what??

Tonight was week 3 day 2 of couch to 5k night. It has two three minute runs in it, along with two shorter runs. I got through the shorter runs no problem. The first three minute run I walked about fifteen seconds of and the second I actually made it all the way through! I'm so proud of myself! Although my knee is kind of screaming at me at the moment.

Today was the second day of school. Trevor called me around 1:30 complaining about his throat hurting. I told him school would be out soon and he could make it. He got off the bus and got in the car and he was pretty hot. Luckily the doctor was able to squeeze him in (which means we waited an hour in the room). She said he has herpangina. Awesome. She said since he was running a fever (101) he needs to stay home from school. It's just a virus so nothing to "fix" him. So by the third day of school we no longer have to worry about getting perfect attendance. Not like my kids have EVER received that award anyways!

Tomorrow is my day with the trainer! I'm sure she's not going to be so easy on me this time! I'm ready to feel the burn though!!

1st Day of School

Well today was the big day! Scott woke me up nice and early at 4:27 am by yelling "OH SHIT!" because he had slept in a bit. I never could go back to sleep after that, go figure. I got up at five and took my shower, got ready for work, made the kids lunches, and just hung out until it was time to wake them up.

They were excited to go back to school and wanted to ride the bus so they would have more time to be social.  I didn't realize until I was taking pictures that Trevor wasn't wearing one of his new shirts. Apparently he "couldn't find them". By that point it was too late to go change and he didn't seem to care so we just hopped in the car and went to the bus stop. (We found them after school still in the Target bag in his room)

They both had a good day and Trevor was excited that there was a kid that was TALLER than him! Amazing :)

Here's my kiddos, Trevor is in 4th grade this year (and for the first time has a teacher that never had his sisters) and Melissa is in 8th grade. The last year before high school :sob:

My babies are growing up so fast! Jess moves in 12 days and starts school in 15.

Girl's Night!

 Saturday night we had a "Girl's Night" at my sister in law's house. We had tequila sunrises, played truth or dare (I'm still a chicken and only picked dares lol) and a Who What When Where Why game. That was fun! We told some ghost type stories and played with a breathalyzer. (now that's an interesting addition to a party!)

The little one was only up for a bit and then went to bed. Who is that girl in the upper right hand corner? I don't really recognize her...

Not The Usual Sunday

I spent most of my day being pissed off. Since the kids took my car to go to the water slides and Jessica's car has no air conditioning I felt like I was stuck here. So I cleaned.  I got all the laundry put away and most of it washed. I listened to an audio book for most of the day and at one point took a nap. Pretty exciting day.

After dinner I went and did the week 3 day 1 of the couch to 5k. Oh my God. Three minutes is a really long time to run. The first three minute stretch I took a 15 second break in the middle and walked. The second three minute stretch I had to walk a bit and got a drink from a faucet. Not my faucet. That's a little clue into how hot and thirsty I was haha. While I was running a car went the other direction and did a bunch of hooting at me. I'm like OMG do these people not know I'm a fat mom? Sheesh. Talk about feeling weird.

I was looking pretty sad by the time I got home.

After I cooled down Jess and I went to the grocery store to get some food for lunches. The guy checking us out was like "oh man you guys look so much alike". I think it's so funny when people say that but it drives her crazy.

So tomorrow is the first day of school for Melissa and Trevor. They both want to ride the bus which I find kind of funny since they'll be begging me to let them sleep in before long. Guess I'll have to actually get up when the alarm clock goes off tomorrow instead of hitting the snooze button 12 times.

Trainer & 5K Update

Source: etsy.com via Mom Taxi on Pinterest

Thursday I met with the trainer. I went in to the gym pretty nervous. She said she was running behind and that I should talk to the guy that works for the gym for a bit. I ended up signing up for a gym membership. I had pretty much known that I was going to do that. I think it's something you actually have to do if you are going to work out in their gym. He started with some pretty high numbers for how much it would cost and I told him I wasn't prepared to pay that much and that I had seen a much lower number on the website. He was like "oh ok" and signed me up for the way way lower amount. It's $15 a month on a month to month basis. That's like eating out one big meal, so I think I can sacrifice that much for myself.

After that I met with the trainer who was super nice and had AWESOME arms and shoulders. She didn't have that scary body builder type of body, just really fit. Her husband does martial arts with my brother and she actually knows who he is so that was nice. She took me through the weight machines and showed me how to use everything and answered all my questions. We did the machines two times and she also showed me some stomach muscle exercises that didn't need any kind of machines. She said it sounded like I was doing really well with my food and my couch 2 5k, and bike riding. She encouraged me to sign up for the Bean Festival 5k, which is in the beginning of September. Oh and she said my legs looked really good. (small high 5 to myself!) My arms were a little sore but not too bad. I go back on Wednesday and most likely Friday too. I have a feeling I will be MUCH more sore after that.

When I got home I signed myself up for the Bean Run. I think I'm slightly crazy but it is a walk/run thing so I can walk if I need to right? I looked at the map and I'm thinking I might try to do it a few times on my own before the actual race day.

Later that night Jess went with me and I finished week 2 of the couch to 5k program. Other than walking 7 seconds early on the second jog I did the whole thing.

I'm a little nervous of week 3

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:

• Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds)
• Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds)
• Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes)
• Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)

3 minutes of running?? Can I do it?? I really hope so! Last time I did this program I stopped on week 3. I don't remember why I stopped other than my calves were really hurting me a lot. This time, no excuses. I have to do it! I paid for that run, I have to!

I think I'm going to go out tonight and do it. It will have to be pretty late though since we are supposed to be in the 100's today.

Back To School & Book Review

School starts next Monday for Melissa and Trevor. I took Trevor with me to Target (and the mall) a couple days ago and got him a new backpack some shirts, shorts, and new shoes. I swear boys are so easy. Today I took Melissa. I've learned from past shopping trips it's so much easier to just take one kid at a time. With Melissa she got ONE shirt at Target (and 2 bras). Then we had to walk through the mall. After about four or five stores and a couple hours she finally got a new pair of shoes, 2 pairs of pants and about 3 or 4 shirts. I'm hoping next year I can just drop her off at the mall with some friends and some money and let her go by herself. It's painful I tell ya!

After I got home Jessica was fighting with her college stuff in the living room so we all scattered. Trevor and I went for a bike ride. The bugs were fierce so he was more than ready to go home after one (slow) lap around the lakes. I came in the house and went to the bathroom and then went back out and did a big ride, pushing myself. It ended up being pitch black by the time I was done (almost ran over some people walking, I'm sure I scared the crap out of them). I finally got that adrenaline high about half way through. Funny how now if I don't hit that I don't even feel like I've done any exercise now.

I've exercised (walked, c25k, or ride my bike or  a combo of two) everyday for at least the last 12 days.

I decided to up my calorie intake to try and break my plateau. I've been reading in a lot of places that if your calories are too low that it can make you hold. We'll see how it works out. Kind of nice to have another 300 calories. It will be really nice if the scale goes down instead of up with me eating that extra 300!

Tomorrow is my date with the trainer. I'm seriously scared. I know I'll survive. I'm just hoping I don't throw up or pee my pants or something haha.

Today I finished listening to an audio book. I was mostly just making copies at work so I listened to it for most of the day. Sure makes standing by the copier more entertaining. (And less people try to talk to you while you are standing there, win win!)


What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dressen

This is a sweet young adult book. McLean is in an unusual situation. Her parents are divorced and she lives with her Dad. Her Dad changes location a lot with his job and she goes with him. Every time she moves she reinvents herself. Except for this time.

Somehow instead of being "Liz" like she planned she is stuck back as McLean. Being McLean again (in the audio book they pronounced this McClain) becomes a therapeutic process in which she works out her relationship with her mother, father, herself, new friends and of course the hunky boy next door.

This is a pretty sweet book that I wouldn't cringe to see my thirteen year old read. I can't say that very often!

I had 3 more audio books come in at the library (gotta love free entertainment!).

Busy Day Cuckoo Cuckoo

My husband went back to work today! Wooohooo!! He's been off for almost 2 months. That is a long time for someone that can hardly even get a day off for an extended weekend. He got up super early and drove into town and took the train to work. Well, to the end of the line. Then he rode his bike the five miles from the train to his work. Worked all day, then did it in reverse. I'm really proud of him. Oh and he sent me a text from work to tell me that his work clothes were falling off. Someone's going to be getting some new, smaller uniforms!

Since he is back to work I am back to working part time. Can we get an AMEN? Holy cow working eight hours SUCKS. Sure the paycheck is nice but I'd rather have a little less money and a little more sanity.

A few things I learned while he was off work and I was working full time (total change of places)

Coming home to a messy house? Sucks
Coming home to no dinner? Sucks
Coming home to no food in the house? Sucks
Coming home to laundry piled up? Sucks
Coming home to the yard being all messy? Sucks

I think you get the picture. He got really good at going to the grocery store and making dinner AND doing the dishes. Oh and dragging the hose around to water the plants. The rest of the stuff I pretty much still did (half assed because I was TIRED). This role reversal was really an eye opener for the both of us I think. A small blessing in disguise. We both got a lot closer in the time he was off too, not to mention he basically had the whole summer off with the kids. I'm sure they will always talk about the summer Dad was home when they grow up.
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In other news, I finished my book club book this morning Every Last Cuckoo. I would have finished it last night but I just.kept.falling.asleep. That is so damn annoying when you are ALMOST done with a book. This morning I picked it up and only had 4% left so I just finished it real quick before work.

This is the story of a sweet old lady and her little old man. At least for the first half. I loved loved the beginning of this book, Part 1. It's quite a bit of their life story and the love they have for each other now that they are older. I could have just lived with the first part of the story. Part 2 is life after Charles passes away (not giving too much away that's on the book cover). Sarah struggles to find her way with out Charles, but soon she has a house full of people to fill her days. The book seemed a little rushed towards the end to me, but overall, it was a good story.
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On my lunch break at work I went for a walk. Today I did the big square of the block "backwards" from how I usually do it. The last leg I do is along the road and so hot. I was thinking maybe I wouldn't be quite so hot if I did that first. (Didn't really work) We have a women's prison in that "block" and they have a yard they can go out in. It's just a small place, I think it's basically for small offenders or somewhere for them to be before they go somewhere bigger. I was walking along the railroad tracks, a good 500 feet away like the signs say and someone in the "yard" kept calling and whistling to me trying to get my attention. Um yeah, so not looking your way. You people scare me. Dammit, now I have to find another route.

After work I went to the library to pay my $1.75 fine so that I could put books on hold on the internet again. I'm missing my audio books I used to listen to on the way to work. It was a great way to get in a lot of "reading" too. I got that set up and picked an audio book off the shelf to start with. Tomorrow I can go hold happy online again.

I also made an appointment with a TRAINER on Friday. At a gym. I'm so going to die.

Then we went to Target and got a few things for Trevor for school, and then to the GNC store that is in the mall to get me some more protein powder. I decided to just buy the tub of chocolate like I got the other day and do that for a bit. Oh and how do you like the freebie sample the GNC guy (asshole) gave me. Think that's a hint?

I swear to God someday I'm going to freaking snap on someone.

After dinner I went out and did my couch to 5k week TWO day 1. I ended up running through most of one of the first walking sessions because I never heard it give the cue to change over. Other than that I made it through everything on schedule. GO ME! My knee was a little sore when I got home, along with the tops of my feet (is that weird or what?) but I think I'll survive.

Oh and that person that yelled "run girl run", ummm thanks for the cheering?

Shades of Grey Thoughts

I finally finished the Shades of Grey Trilogy this weekend. I was pretty consistent in my rating of the books on Goodreads without even looking back to see what I had rated the other books. It took me a whole month to finish the last one. Yes, life has been busy, but really? I just wasn't that into it.

Here are my thoughts on these books.

Yes, there is a lot of sex. But there is also a lot of sex in a Harlequin romance and my Grandma read those. I get the whole "naughty side" with the S&M stuff but other than the really bad spanking in the first one I think most married couples have ventured somewhere in that realm just to keep things exciting.

What really bothered me about these books is that I think that they are just on the right side of domestic violence. Yes I know, she was all for everything but let's look at what we warn our girls about.

If a man does not want you to be with your friends (or family, or work, go out of the house, etc) because he is jealous of them=domestic violence

If you are afraid of your partner=domestic violence

If you are constantly worried that something you do is going to anger your partner=domestic violence

You're partner is constantly stalking you=domestic violence

Yes, I know it's just a story. But A LOT of women, young and old, are reading it. I'd hate to think that young women would think it was ROMANTIC to be with someone who did those things.

But OH, he had a troubled youth! Yeah, well correct me if I'm wrong but so did most abusers. In most cases you aren't going to be able to fix them no matter how much you love them. Anastasia and Christian are like most of the young couples I've heard of that start with him smothering her and ends with him in jail and her raising 3 kids on her own in a safe house.

Anyhow, that's my two cents, if you wanted them or not :wink: What did you think?

**ETA OMG LOVE this review haha so funny! It does have "spoilers" though so don't read it if you haven't finished the books yet (and want to)